Ch. 161Screening Rules
Key Plot Points and Events
- The group arrives at an underground teleportation array, activated by a monk and their ancient tokens.
- They are transported to a circular plaza with 18 stone doorways and a central stone tablet.
- A middle-aged man reveals that the plaza is a sacrifice array, and only 18 can survive to open the doorways.
- An hour later, the array randomly selects and kills one person, starting the elimination process.
Character Developments
- Zhang Tie: Realizes the harsh reality of the Secret Realm inheritance, becomes determined to survive and expose the Buddhist sect's cruelty.
- Monk Kong Zhi: Leads the group to the teleportation array but doesn't reveal the true nature of the Secret Realm.
- Other cultivators: React with shock, fear, and disbelief upon learning the rules; some suggest immediate action, others hesitate.
Significant Themes
- Survival of the fittest: The Secret Realm's inheritance process emphasizes ruthless competition and elimination.
- Trust and deception: The Buddhist sect's leaders deceive cultivators about the true nature of the Secret Realm.
- Power dynamics: The cultivators' initial unity and cooperation crumble as they face the harsh reality of the sacrifice array.
Character Interactions
- Zhang Tie and the middle-aged man in chain mail: The man reveals the true nature of the plaza, causing Zhang Tie's determination to change.
- Zhang Tie and the cultivators around him: They discuss the situation and consider their options, with some suggesting immediate action and others being more cautious.
- Zhang Tie and the young man in a blue robe: The young man suggests that the rules might be a test, but Zhang Tie doesn't engage in the discussion.